The National Council for Science and Technology Communication (NCSTC) is mandated to communicate Science and Technology to masses, stimulate scientific and technological temper and coordinate and orchestrate such efforts throughout the country. The programmes of NCSTC aims at building capacity for informed decision making in the community and promote scientific thinking. It is devoted towards societal upliftment through the dissemination of scientific knowledge in an informed manner and builds programmes with the help of different media which percolate down to every nook and corner of the society.
The NCSTC focuses on outreach activities, training in Science and Technology communication, development, production & dissemination of S & T software, incentive programmes, and field based Sci-Com projects, research in S&T communication, international co-operation, motivating students and teachers, environment awareness and programmes with a special component exclusively for women.
Some of its important successful initiatives, over the years include the following campaigns:
A multi-pronged effort has been developed by the NCSTC including:
This is an opportunity for brilliant young scientists (10 -17 years of age group), started since 1993 to popularize the method of science with following steps:
Innovative projects are selected for district congress, state congress and national convention. Each state also sends two delegates to the annual session of the Indian Science Congress. The NCSC has been organized in almost all districts every year with more and more schools joining the activity. Developing an activity book, training workshops for guide teachers, evaluating the research projects and coordinating the district and state level conventions are enriching experiences for a number of organizations. More than 10 lakh children are participating actively throughout the country. The national events with the themes selected for the past years are shown below:
S. No. |
Year |
State/UT |
District/City |
Theme |
1 |
2009-10 |
Gujarat |
Ahmadabad |
Planet Earth: Our Home Explore, Share and Care |
2 |
2010-11 |
Tamilnadu |
Chennai |
Land Resources: Use for Prosperity & Save for Posterity |
3 |
2011-12 |
Rajasthan |
Jaipur |
Land Resources: Use for Prosperity & Save for Posterity |
4 |
2012-13 |
Varanasi |
Energy: Explore, Harness and Conserve |
|
5 |
2013-14 |
Bhopal |
Energy: Explore, Harness and Conserve |
|
6 |
2014-15 |
Karnataka |
Bangalore |
Understanding weather and climate |
Every year, February 28, is celebrated as the National Science Day. The programme was initiated by department to trigger science popularization activities throughout the country and to disseminate scientific education about the current issues of science and technology amongst the citizens of the country. The programmes starts around the National Science Day and activities like lectures, quiz, radio, television shows, open houses and debate etc. are organized around a central theme. These programmes are organized nationwide through the state S&T Councils, Science and Technology Departments.
Effective science communication can change ways of community learning, peoples’ access to knowledge & resources, and societal paradigms. The science behind management of ecological resources, habitat & ecosystems services is central to our wellbeing and ability to work. It thus addresses critical life cycle needs and complexities of social, economic and ecological nature. In today’s fast-paced world, role of media, both in printed and electronic forms, is critical in leveraging furthering these goals. The initiatives would support a direct and purposeful communicative paradigm, as Science Media & Eco Next Youth leadership and promoting informed choices and decision making. The Eco Media & Eco Next initiatives focus upon promoting real-time responsiveness and eco-media leverage for promoting integrated efforts for conservation of natural resources, specifically aimed at:
Initiated by NCSTC, the NTSC provides a forum to teachers of the country to enhance their level of scientific awareness. The first national event was held in 2003. Presently it has become a biennial activity of NCSTC. Besides teachers educators of vocational/open schools/teachers educators/DIET faculty/B.Ed. and university researchers, scientists, technologists and activists are also eligible to submit their papers.
There is exposure on the training module aiming at providing basic skills in performing & investigating such miracles and based on science behind it. Miracles are performed by so called Godmen who want to mislead the gullible, but fact is that all miracles are based on various principles of science.
Many significant initiatives have given rich dividends to the nation. Some of these include:
Audio/Radio Programmes
Science based radio serials on various topics are produced and broadcasted by 119 stations of All India radio (AIR) and through community radio. Some of the popular serials are: “Jeevan Ek-Roop Anek”, Rahiye matwaley, “Ankon ke Khiladi”, Radio Mathematics (on community radio).
Video Programmes
Video programmes were made and telecast on DD. They are Challenge Chatani, “Utthan”, Ignited Minds I-II, Hum Honge Kamyab, Fossil Memoirs etc. Video CD’s on achievements of S&T in India were also developed and telecast.
Web based programmes
Ganit Yatra in the state of Maharashtra
A state level campaign in the tribal districts of Maharashtra was undertaken as “Ganit Yatra” supported by NCSTC. Resource material in terms of dramas, CDs, ganit geet, booklets, calendar etc. were brought out.
Training Manuals and Kits Developed
Mathematics Kit, Weather Kit, Simple Tasks - Great Concepts, LASER Kit for Students, Parakhi, Module on Microorganisms, Vermi-Composting, Astronomy Kit, Biodiversity kit etc. are made and disseminated among the children.
National awards for science communications are presented every year to recognize outstanding achievements of individuals and institutions. Each award comprises an attractive cash prize, a memento and a scroll, presented every year at the national function on 28th February, the National Science Day.
The UNESCO Kalinga Prize for the Popularization of Science is an award given by UNESCO for exceptional skill in presenting scientific ideas to lay people. It was created in 1951, following a donation from Hon’ble Shri Biju Patnaik, Chief Minister of Orissa and Founder President of the Kalinga Foundation Trust, Bhubaneswar. Candidates shall have made a significant contribution to the popularization of science. Till to date, sixty-five individuals, from twenty-four countries have received this award. Six of whom have also been Nobel-Prize winners.
Source: Department of Science & Technology (DST)
Last Modified : 3/29/2021
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